"I don't need the money to fight with the champion" - Jiri Prochazka shares his take on Alex Pereira-Jamahal Hill confrontation at the UFC PI

Alex Pereira last entered the octagon in October as he defeated Khalil Rountree Jr. via fourth-round TKO at UFC 307 to defend his light heavyweight title for the third time in six months. 'Poatan' began his impressive run with a first-round knockout victory against Jamahal Hill at UFC 300.

'Sweet Dreams' has often shared how he believes the win was controversial as the knockout came seconds after Herb Dean stopped the action but did not separate the two. Things between Pereira and Hill boiled over at the UFC PI earlier this month. Jiri Prochazka, who suffered second-round TKO losses to the light heavyweight champion at UFC 295 and UFC 303, weighed in on the incident.

Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, the No.2-ranked light heavyweight stated:

"I just saw some things Jamahal said about he's going to the cage for the money. That's another thing that I don't want to talk because it will be not nice talking because, for me, I don't need the money to fight with the champion or guys who stay in the top-five."

When asked if he would fight for free, Prochazka responded that he would before adding:

"I like to be - how to say, not to be nice, but to be respectful for others. For the losers, for the winners, for your opponents, for everybody. If you are a fighter, you have the power to change things, to make happen, to lift somebody or give them down so every word, every doing - you have to be careful with what you're doing, what you're saying."

Check out Jiri Prochazka's full comments on the incident between Alex Pereira and Jamahal Hill below:

Prochazka is set to clash with Hill at UFC 311 next month in a bout that could have implications on the light heavyweight title picture. It is unclear what will come next for Pereira, however, he is expected to face Magomed Ankalaev sometime in 2025.

Jan Blachowicz weighs in on potential Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev clash

Alex Pereira had an impressive 2024 as he defended his light heavyweight title three times in a six-month span. He did, however, face some criticism for not facing Magomed Ankalaev, who many believe poses the biggest threat to him.

Jan Blachowicz, who has faced both fighters in the past, weighed in on the potential matchup during a recent interview with James Lynch, stating:

"If Ankalaev will fight like last fight with [Aleksandar] Rakic, he's going to lose the fight. He needs to do something more. He needs to be like, I don't know, but - he is good fighter, but it's not enough for Pereira in this kind of style. He needs to change. He needs to be more - he has to believe in that which he's doing. I think he doesn't believe. He just wants to win the fight, but don't take too much punches. He is very careful in this what he's doing and I think this kind of way, fighting with Pereira, will not work."

Check out Jan Blachowicz's comments on a potential matchup between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira below:

Blachowicz faced Ankalaev at UFC 282 with the vacant light heavyweight title on the line, however, neither had their hand raised as the bout resulted in a split decision draw. He then welcomed 'Poatan' to the 205-pound weight class at UFC 291, suffering a controversial split decision loss.